Tuvalu negotiator at Copenhagen: ‘I woke this morning, and I was crying, and that's not easy for a grown man to admit. The fate of my country rests in your hands.’

 

Earlier this week, Ian Fry, the lead negotiator for the small island nation of Tuvalu -- one of a handful of countries severely threatened by climate change -- called for the strongest of possible agreements: a legally-binding treaty that would demand developed countries help bring atmospheric CO2 down to 350 ppm. It's a bold demand that the US and other developed countries will not accept, and which developing countries, bent on a renewal of Kyoto, also reject. Today he delievered a speech that, according to Jamie at 350.org, "had delegates from around the world in tears."

Here's a rough transcription from 350.org:

…This is not just an issue of Tuvalu... millions of people around the world are affected. This is not just Tuvalu. Over the last few days I've received calls from all over the world, offering faith and hope that we can reach a conclusion on this issue. Madame President, this is not a media trip for me, I have refused to take media calls on this issue. As a humble servant of the government of Tuvalu, I have to make a strong appeal to you that we consider this matter properly. I don't want to cause embarrassment to you or the government. …

Tuvalu Negotiator Delivers a Tear-Jerking Call for the Toughest Treaty at Copenhagen

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